Day 20 Hiking to Petroglyphs

It was a perfect overcast, cool day for a hike through the hoodoos to see petroglyphs and coulees.  Our “moderate” hike was 3 1/2 miles but it took us almost 4 hours because the scenery was so unique and mystifying that we didn’t want to miss anything. We followed the Interpretive Trail Guide book weaving through sacred stone mountains that are 20,000 years old. There was a profusion of trees, flowers, shrubs and grasses framing the rock formations. The trail ran along the Milk River, the only river in Canada that starts and ends in the USA. This waterway flows into the confluence of the Missouri River then the Mississippi and eventually its waters will join the Gulf of Mexico. We viewed coulees on the other side of the river; these are V shaped valleys formed by glaciers. A favorite place for Blackfoot Indians and travelers to set up camp. On the cliffs were a number of rock paintings, pictographs and petroglyphs made by the First Nation people and Blackfoot. Some were created 2000 years ago and others were carved in the 1700’s. There was an extensive depiction of a huge battle between tribes that took place in 1730. If you look closely at the picture, you can see tipis, horses and guns which indicates this carving was made after Europeans came to this land. The entire hike was aesthetically and spiritually worthy. Am determined to stay up and see the night sky with all it has to offer with no light pollution BUT since the sun rises here at 5:30, doesn’t set till 9:30, and doesn’t really get dark till 11,  I may not make it. Taking off for our 8 day stay at Lake Louise, Alberta tomorrow. Internet and cell is very spotty in Banff so will publish when I can.